“We are encouraged by the reduction in fatalities and want the traveling public to know they’ve done a great job in helping our efforts to save lives,” said Hunter.

“We hope this encourages more motorists to slow down, always wear their seat belt and never drive drunk or distracted,” added Hunter. “Let me be clear: While this achievement is to be celebrated, we believe one fatality is too many and are committed to continue working with our local, state and federal highway safety partners until this number is zero.”

The figures will remain classified as preliminary until all highway crash data is collected. A final report will be released in April.